Exploring the socioeconomic and political implications of recurrent coup d’etat in Africa and their impact on global health

Abstract

Diverse challenges plague the public health space in Africa. Although some of these issues have been explored, the disruptive effects of recurring coup d'etats on the fragile healthcare sector have received little attention. This review investigates the historical prevalence and public health implications of military coups in Africa. The study reviews the period after World War II and highlights the prevalence of coup attempts in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Since 1950, Africa has witnessed 109 successful coups. Despite a decline in coup success rates following the Cold War, attempts continue, fueled by a complex interaction of socioeconomic and political factors. The effects stem from the aftermath of these events and how they interrupt healthcare systems causing economic downturns and political instability. This review highlights the negative consequences of coups for maternal and child health, medical supply chain disruptions, and public health policy changes. Coups have also been demonstrated to aggravate poverty, unemployment, and healthcare professionals' emigration rates, worsening health disparities. Recent coups in Gabon, Niger, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have had implications on the long-term viability of democratic institutions and they have consequently impacted public health programs. This necessitates investigations into coups' role in forestalling the development and implementation of long-term public health plans. The reported outcomes include socio-economic issues, disruptions in healthcare infrastructure, and the negative consequences on healthcare human resources management. Despite noteworthy advances in public health across Africa, the review argues that military coups constitute a substantial threat to the sustainability of these gains. It urges additional research, particularly longitudinal studies, to better understand the long-term impact on economic development and establish effective ways to prevent future coup attempts.